Anti-social Behaviour Orders

Lord Dholakia: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Since the introduction of anti-social behaviour orders, how many have been issued by the courts; and what are the ethnic origins of those subject to such orders.

Lord Rooker: Information collected centrally in England and Wales does not currently identify the ethnic appearance of the persons concerned.

Women Offenders

Lord Acton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Answer by Lord Rooker on 29th November 2001 (HL Deb, cols. 456–57), whether they have decided to establish a board responsible for women in the criminal justice system as recommended by the Lord Chief Justice.

Lord Rooker: The Government are examining current commissioning and delivery structures across all correctional services. It is likely that changes will be made to enable an improvement in the current focus on 18 to 20 year-olds in the first instance, with a view to expanding this focus to other groups. Women offenders, for example, would be a group that could benefit from such a restructure.
	We have recently received the first preliminary report on the operation of the new youth justice system which provides a welcome steer on the benefits or otherwise of distinct treatment for groups of offenders with distinct needs. We are fortunate to have this model and the findings of this first review will need to be considered in the context of current deliberations about how best to deliver, manage and monitor correctional services.

Raves

Lord Campbell of Croy: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they now consider that legislation will be needed to regulate social gatherings held indoors, commonly known as raves.

Lord Rooker: We have not changed our view on this matter since I responded to the noble Lord's similar Question on 16 January (Official Report, col. WA154), explaining that we had no present plans to introduce new legislation.

Seasonal Agricultural Work: Student Permits

Lord Burlison: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What plans they have to increase the number of student work permits allowed for seasonal agricultural work.

Lord Rooker: Representations in support of an increase in the present quota of non-European Economic Area students participating in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers' Scheme have been made by a number of interested parties, including the National Farmers Union.
	The Government have listened to these representations and have agreed to increase the number of work cards available for use under this scheme. As agreed with the industry, the student quota will increase from the present 15,200 to 20,200, spread over the next two years. Within that, a higher proportionate increase of 3,500 work cards will be made available to the scheme's operators this year, pro rata to the additional needs they have identified, for allocation to participants in the scheme.

Azerbaijan: OSCE Embargo

Lord Eatwell: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the United Kingdom will continue to uphold the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe embargo on the export of weapons and military equipment to Azerbaijan.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The UK remains committed to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) arms embargo against both Azerbaijan and Armenia, which the UK interprets as covering all goods and technology controlled under entries in Part III of Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994 (commonly known as the military list).
	In March 2000 the Government approved a similar request for protective jackets for demining operations to Azerbaijan, a continuing problem.
	While the grant of this licence constitutes an exception to the UK's interpretation of the scope of the embargo, it is in no way inconsistent with the purpose of the embargo and our continuing commitment to uphold it.

Colliery Productivity

Lord Hardy of Wath: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How current levels of productivity in United Kingdom collieries compare with those achieved in 1991 and 1981.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: In the 12 months to March 2001, it is estimated that productivity in United Kingdom collieries was 2,000 tonnes per person (including contractors) employed per year. Published data for 1981 and 1991 show that productivity was 640 and 1,930 tonnes per underground employee per year respectively, but these are only for deep mines operated by the former British Coal. Information on a comparable basis to the most recent figures for 2000–01 is not available.

Mines Rescue Service

Lord Hardy of Wath: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many non-mining companies have made use of the miners rescue service during the last year for which figures are available; and what financial contribution such companies have made to this service.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: Mines Rescue Services Ltd, which provides a service to UK deep-mine coal operators, is a private company and my department does not hold information on its activities. Such information would best be obtained through the company itself. It can be contacted at the following address:
	Mines Rescue Service
	Leeming Lane South
	Mansfield Woodhouse
	Mansfield
	Notts. NG19 9AQ.

Employment Tribunal Forms

Lord Lester of Herne Hill: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they consider, in the light of Article 6(1) of the European Convention on Human Rights, that the imposition of requirements in relation to forms for use in proceedings in the employment tribunals should be the responsibility of the judiciary and not of the executive; and, if not, why not.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: No. The imposition in legislation of reasonable procedural requirements on those embarking on litigation does not constitute a barrier to access to justice, nor does it interfere with the independence and impartiality of the tribunal.
	Under existing powers (Section 7(2) of the Employment Tribunals Act 1996), the employment tribunal procedure regulations may already prescribe forms for entering originating applications and notices of appearance, and in fact some of the content of the current forms is laid down there. Clause 25 of the Employment Bill, when implemented, will enable the Secretary of State to impose the requirements outside of the regulations. This will provide greater flexibility to make changes to the requirements where necessary. In particular it will be quicker: the procedure regulations have to lie for 21 days before taking effect.
	The content of any new forms will be discussed with the judiciary and interested parties.
	As now, the judiciary will decide whether applications and notices of appearance are validly made, and will thus be able to ensure that those who have difficulty completing forms will not be denied access to tribunals.

Income Support Adjustments: Cost to Department

Baroness Barker: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the estimated average cost to the Department for Work and Pensions each time an adjustment is made to a person's income support following a change to that person's circumstances.

Baroness Hollis of Heigham: The estimated average cost is £26.66. This figure is for the staff costs involved and excludes information technology costs.

Electronic Patient Records

Baroness Noakes: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they agree with the assessment of the Audit Commission in its report A Spoonful of Sugar that less than 10 per cent of National Health Service trusts will meet the 2005 deadline for the implementation of electronic patient records.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: Level 3 electronic patient records involves the implementation of four specific elements––results reporting, order communications, electronic prescribing and integrated care pathways. The Department of Health has recently collected data from National Health Service trusts about their implementation status and plans. This shows that good progress is being made on the implementation of results reporting and order communications. We are considering how NHS trusts can be supported to tackle the challenges posed by the implementation of electronic prescribing and the phasing of integrated care pathways across prioritised specialities.

Nursing Homes

Lord Carlile of Berriew: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many persons over the age of 70 years were estimated to be full-time residents in privately owned nursing homes in each of the years 1998 to 2002.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: Information on the number of full-time residents in privately owned nursing homes who are aged over 70 is not collected. The table provides information on residents aged 65 to 74 and aged 75 and over in nursing homes. These figures may include some temporary residents. Information for the year 2000–01 will be published in the spring.
	
		Table: Residents aged 65 and over in private nursing homes(1) in England in 1998–99 and 1999–2000. -- England Rounded numbers
		
			 Year(2) Residents aged 65–74 Residents aged 75 and over 
			 1998–1999 20,100 117,900 
			 1999–2000 19,600 108,200 
		
	
	Source:
	Department of Health's returns.
	(1) Includes private hospitals and clinics.
	(2) Information refers to the date of inspection between the dates of 1 April and 31 March.

Nursing Homes

Lord Carlile of Berriew: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is their policy for meeting the funding gap faced by privately owned nursing homes where local authorities are failing to fund the true cost of the care and accommodation.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The Government fund local councils to purchase the care that people need. Between 1996–97 and 2002–03 the overall level of funding for social services increased by 20.7 per cent in real terms. The Building Capacity and Partnership in Care Agreement, announced on 9 October, sets out the responsibilities of commissioners and providers. Commissioners should not set contract prices mechanistically but should have regard for providers' costs and efficiencies and planned outcomes for people using services. The Government expect local councils to observe the agreement.

Nursing Homes

Lord Carlile of Berriew: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many privately owned nursing homes containing publicly funded clients (a) were closed, and (b) ceased to accept publicly funded clients in each of the years 1998 to 2001.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: Information on the number of privately owned nursing homes containing publicly funded clients that were closed or ceased to accept clients is not collected. The total number of nursing homes in each year is shown in the table.
	
		Table: Number of private nursing homes, hospitals and clinics, 1998 to 2001, England. -- England, as at 31 MarchRounded numbers
		
			  1998 1999 2000 2001 
			 Private nursing homes(3) 6,200 6,100 5,900 5,700 
		
	
	Source:
	Department of Health returns.
	(3) General and mental nursing homes including private hospitals and clinics.

Marine Environment

Lord Judd: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What action they are taking to accelerate the designation and protection of sites and features in the marine environment for their historic and cultural value and for fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship among local communities.

Baroness Blackstone: The Government are supporting the National Heritage Bill put forward by the noble Baroness, Lady Anelay. The provisions contained in this Bill will extend the remit of English Heritage out to the limit of the territorial seas adjacent to England. This will enable them to undertake work and provide advice and support on archaeological sites in the marine environment and will bring the treatment of underwater archaeology in England into line with the rest of the United Kingdom. The legislation governing underwater archaeology will be reviewed as part of the forthcoming review of statutory controls applicable to the historic environment. In the meantime, a number of initiatives by the sport diving associations to promote a responsible attitude to historic remains and archaeological best practice and to encourage the adoption and stewardship of historic wreck sites are being endorsed by various government departments and agencies with interests in this field.

Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration: Public Access

Lord Lester of Herne Hill: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When they intend to introduce legislation to give the public a right of direct access to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration.

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston: In July of last year the Government made a statement following consultation on the review of the public sector ombudsmen in England. The statement confirmed the Government's intention to replace existing arrangements with a unified and flexible ombudsman body to which the public would have direct access. The remit of this body will include that of the current Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration.
	Proposals for the precise powers, jurisdiction and accountability of the new body will be published shortly.
	The legislation required to implement the new arrangements will be made as soon as parliamentary time allows.

Northern Ireland Bill of Rights

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the current deadline for consultations on a proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland as set down by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The deadline for contributions to the consultation exercise was set down in the consultation document Making a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland as 1 December 2001. The commission extended this deadline for responses from children and young people.
	We understand, however that the commission is prepared to give full and equal consideration to any submissions it receives while it continues work on its advice to government. This is expected to last until the end of May this year.

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When Peers, Members of Parliament and the public may expect the annual report of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission required by paragraph 5 of Schedule 7 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission's Annual Report was laid before Parliament on 19 December 2001. A copy has been placed in the Library.

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many inquiries the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has publicly demanded since 1999; and in each case at what meeting the decision was taken to ask for the inquiry.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. The Chief Commissioner has been asked to write to the noble Lord. A copy of his letter will placed in the Library.

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will publish all correspondence, including e-mails about and minutes of any meeting that the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has had, on the issue of the murder of Pat Finucane.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. The Chief Commissioner has been asked to write to the noble Lord. A copy of his letter will be placed in the Library.

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What representations the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has made to the Republic of Ireland's Human Rights Commission about the demand for an inquiry into allegations that the Government of the Republic funded the creation of the Provisional IRA in 1969, 1970 and 1971; and the continuing allegation of collusion by the authorities in the Republic with the Provisional IRA in the murder of British subjects.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission's contact and dealings with other bodies is a matter for the commission.
	The Chief Commissioner has been asked to write to the noble Lord. A copy of his letter will be placed in the Library.

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission recognises Ulster Scots as a language of similar status to Irish.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. The Chief Commissioner has been asked to write to the noble Lord. A copy of his letter will be placed in the Library.

Golden Jubilee Celebrations

Lord Gregson: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What plans they have for celebrating the 50th anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen's Accession to the Throne.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: I welcome this opportunity, on behalf of the whole nation, to offer the warmest congratulations to The Queen on the 50th anniversary of her Accession and to express gratitude for half a century of devoted service to the people of the United Kingdom.
	The Prime Minister announced on 23 November 2000 (Official Report, col. 294W) that Her Majesty will attend a National Thanksgiving Service in St Paul's Cathedral on Tuesday 4 June 2002. That day will be a Bank Holiday in place of the Spring Bank Holiday, which would otherwise fall on 27 May. Monday 3 June will be an additional Bank Holiday for the Golden Jubilee.
	On 22 June 2001 (Official Report, col. 7W) the Prime Minister announced the main features of The Queen's United Kingdom programme of Golden Jubilee visits and on 3 August my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport announced in a news release the main celebrations planned in central London over the Golden Jubilee weekend of 1 to 4 June 2002.
	I am pleased to be able to announce the programme of visits and other events throughout the United Kingdom from May to August this year which will be undertaken by Her Majesty and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to mark the Golden Jubilee.
	As the Prime Minister announced on 22 June 2001, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will be travelling as widely as possible around the United Kingdom during this year, including visits to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, although they will not be able to visit all cities and counties. However, their itinerary will enable them to meet as many people as possible throughout the country.
	The programme is as follows:
	29 April
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will attend a dinner at No. 10 Downing Street.
	30 April
	The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, will attend a session of the Joint Houses of Parliament in Westminster Hall at which Her Majesty will address both Houses.
	South West of England (Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Bath)
	1 May
	Falmouth; Trelissick; Truro; Exeter.
	2 May
	Taunton; Wells; Bath.
	North East of England (Tyne and Wear and County Durham)
	7 May
	Sunderland; Gateshead; Newcastle.
	8 May
	Durham; Darlington; Stockton (The Duke of Edinburgh).
	9 May
	East London.
	South East of England (Buckinghamshire and Berkshire)
	10 May
	Aylesbury; Marlow; Bisham Abbey.
	16–17 May
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will attend the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
	18 May
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will take the Salute at "All The Queen's Horses", Royal Windsor Horse Show.
	20 May
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will attend the Chelsea Flower Show.
	21 May
	The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, will open the new Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace.
	22 May
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will attend an Arts Reception at the Royal Academy, London.
	Scotland
	23 May
	The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, will attend a Scottish Service of Thanksgiving at Glasgow Cathedral.
	24 May
	Falkirk; Edinburgh (including a reception in the Palace of Holyroodhouse).
	25 May
	The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, will open the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Edinburgh; The Queen will also host a Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
	26 May
	The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, will attend the General Assembly Service, St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh.
	27 May
	Isle of Skye; Isle of Lewis; Wick.
	28 May
	Aberdeen (including a visit to the Scottish Parliament, sitting at King's College Conference Centre, Aberdeen University); Dundee.
	29 May
	Lauder, Melrose.
	Jubilee Weekend
	1 June
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will host The Queen's Concert (classical concert) in the gardens at Buckingham Palace.
	2 June
	The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, will attend a Jubilee Church Service, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.
	3 June
	Windsor and Slough.
	3 June
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will host The Queen's Concert (pop concert) in the gardens at Buckingham Palace, after which Her Majesty will light a national beacon in the Mall and view a fireworks display.
	4 June
	The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, will attend a National Service of Thanksgiving at
	St Paul's Cathedral, after a ceremonial procession from Buckingham Palace.
	4 June
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will attend a lunch hosted by the Lord Mayor and the Corporation of London at Guildhall in the City of London.
	4 June
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will attend the Golden Jubilee Festival in the Mall.
	4 June
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will make a balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace and watch a Royal Air Force fly past.
	6 June
	North London, followed by a garden party at Lambeth Palace.
	South East of England (West Sussex)
	7 June
	South of England Show, Ardingly.
	10 June
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will give a reception for representatives of different faiths at Buckingham Palace.
	Wales
	11 June
	Anglesey, Colwyn Bay.
	The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, will attend a Welsh Service of Thanksgiving at Bangor Cathedral.
	12 June
	Dolau; Llanelli; Margam Park.
	13 June
	Bridgend; Rhondda Valley; Newport; Cardiff (including a visit to the National Assembly for Wales).
	15 June
	The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, will take the Salute at Her Majesty's Birthday Parade, Horseguards.
	17 June
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will attend the Service of the Order of the Garter at St George's Chapel, Windsor.
	17 June
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will give a dinner for European sovereigns, Windsor Castle.
	18–22 June
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will attend Royal Ascot.
	25 June
	West London.
	26 June
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will give a dinner for representatives of the Armed Forces, Windsor Castle.
	27 June
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will visit the Armed Forces, Portsmouth, and visit Portsmouth.
	West Midlands (West Midlands, Staffordshire and Warwickshire)
	2 July
	Solihull; Birmingham.
	3 July
	Burton upon Trent; Stoneleigh.
	4 July
	South London.
	5 July
	The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, will attend a parade in the gardens of Buckingham Palace for all Her Majesty's Body Guards and the
	In-Pensioners of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
	9 July
	The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, will present medals to the winners of The Queen's Golden Jubilee Poetry Competition for Schools at Buckingham Palace.
	9 July
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will give a garden party in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, when guests will include those born on Accession Day.
	Yorkshire (West Yorkshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire)
	11 July
	Leeds; Wakefield (The Duke of Edinburgh); Bradford (The Duke of Edinburgh); Harewood House (Festival).
	12 July
	Beverley.
	16 July
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will give a garden party in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, when guests will include young people born since the 1977 Silver Jubilee.
	East Anglia (Suffolk and Norfolk)
	17 July
	Ipswich; Stowmarket; Bury St Edmunds.
	18 July
	Great Yarmouth (The Duke of Edinburgh); Norwich.
	18 July
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will give a garden party for Norfolk at Sandringham House.
	23 July
	The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, will open the new Greater London Authority building.
	23 July
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will attend a gala at Covent Garden.
	North West of England (Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and opening the Commonwealth Games in Manchester)
	24 July
	Macclesfield; Greater Manchester.
	25 July
	Liverpool; open Commonwealth Games, Greater Manchester.
	26 July
	Visit Commonwealth Games venues, Greater Manchester.
	30 July
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will give a garden party in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, when guests will include representatives of charities of which Her Majesty and His Royal Highness are patron.
	East Midlands (Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire)
	31 July
	Scunthorpe; Nottingham.
	1 August
	Leicester; Derby.
	4 August
	Close Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
	North West of England (Lancashire and Cumbria)
	5 August
	Preston; Carlisle.
	5 August
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will attend the Edinburgh Tattoo, Edinburgh Castle.
	7 August
	The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will give a garden party at Balmoral Castle.
	These details, together with further information about other confirmed Golden Jubilee celebrations and events can be found on the searchable calendar of events being launched today on the official Golden Jubilee website at http://www.goldenjubilee.gov.uk/. The British Monarchy website at http://www.royal.gov.uk/ also has details of The Queen's programme and other royal engagements. These will be updated throughout the year as confirmation of events is received.